AnimeSuki Forums

kappachild · 2011-03-10, 03:15

Hello there Animesuki community! I’m doing a kind of research project on kappa and I was hoping you guys could help me out. Basically, I was wondering if you wouldn’t mind putting your thoughts to a couple of questions:

1) What comes to mind when you think of a kappa? There is no right answer, duh. Any physical or personal qualities that stand out?

2) Where/when did you first hear about/see kappa? Did you see one in an anime, or in manga? If so, which one, if you can recall? What was your first impression?

3) In your experience with kappa (manga, anime or otherwise), would you describe kappa as a positive/moral creature? Or neutral? Or an evil/negative creature?

((although I am presuming that many of you live outside of Japan and don’t have much experience with the image of the kappa, other than through exported media, if you do, that’s alright and please participate!))

Vexx · 2011-03-10, 03:35

1) Traditionally, the usual images - kind of a quasi-reptillian humanoid with a beak and a "monk's haircut" (water sloshing about on top). This image collides with my other imagery - that of the ravishing kappa-girl of the anime series Petopetosan named Sahara and her "yakuza-style" family operations (webbed fingers/toes and claws as needed).

2) Um, dozens of years ago (really) when studying mythologies in various cultures. Japan has a number of odd monsters but the kappa seem akin to the waterfolk of celt myth.

3) I'd call them neutral -- some of the kappa stories are evil, some good. Basically, you have to treat them with respect and try not to be caught alone by them.

Their looks and reputation with the people of Japan has evolved... somewhat like the trolls of Norway have been "cute-ified" by the Norwegians.

panzerfan · 2011-03-10, 03:42

Well, I think my first answer is going to be (snip)

I heard of Kappa from mytho, and of course, the fact that it's bold and carries a bit of water atop its head sticks out to me. I don't think that they are amoral, but just that they are beings that can be reasoned and interact with.

Tempy · 2011-03-10, 03:45

Kappa?

1) Kappa!

2) GENSOKYO

3) Kappa ;_;

---

Okay in all seriousness

1)

2) I first learned of kappa while researching folklore of various cultures, some decade ago.

3) I tend to see kappa be shown in a positive light, though negative portrayals are not uncommon.

Ichihara Asako · 2011-03-10, 06:56

I think of Sandy from Monkey (on the left);

Then Nitori because she's one of the few nonmimis in the Touhou cast I pay any heed to;

Quite different takes on them, no?

I first saw Sandy (as named in the English dub of Monkey) in the... late 70s? maybe early 80s, too long ago to remember now. Sandy was always pretty whiny and annoying, but was never actually bad, iirc.

And Nitori is cute and a tinkerer, which is entertaining. I mostly know her from fanon though, not canon works as I haven't played MoF or later Touhou games.

SeijiSensei · 2011-03-10, 07:52

I can only answer question (2) -- Karasuma's kappa costume in School Rumble. I had no idea what that was about; still don't, really.

Ichihara Asako · 2011-03-10, 08:35

Quote:

Originally Posted by SeijiSensei

I can only answer question (2) -- Karasuma's kappa costume in School Rumble. I had no idea what that was about; still don't, really.

There was a friendly one in Inukami much more like the traditional version (shell and all) but in School Rumble's case it was just the fact that Karasuma was a total weirdo... and a "kappa" is also slang for a raincoat iirc, and he got it wrong that you're supposed to wear one in the rain... or something. Been years since I've seen SR, the conclusion OVAs kinda ruined it for me.

Zeroryoko1974 · 2011-03-10, 09:42

Quote:

Originally Posted by SeijiSensei

I can only answer question (2) -- Karasuma's kappa costume in School Rumble. I had no idea what that was about; still don't, really.

This. That is what I thought of when the word Kappa

LonelyGirl · 2011-03-10, 09:53

1.) I think of that character from Animal Crossing. His name I believe was Kapp'n and he was obviously based off a Kappa. The beak and turtle like shell kinda stand out to me.

2.) I first saw a Kappa in Animal Crossing but I didn't know what it was nor did I think about it. I first learned about kappa through the show "Kappa Mikey" there was an episode that explained what kappa were and why he was named "Kappa Mikey"

3.) I wouldn't portray them as bad creature but not really good or neutral creatures either, if anything I would say good but I cannot say that for sure.

Gault · 2011-03-10, 09:55

1) a clothing brand mostly worn by Middle easterners , Turkish , Greeks and Italians[they could all be labeled as "Wogs" here , no Racist intention] in Australia

2) Fat Pizza comedy show

3) never

Terrestrial Dream · 2011-03-10, 12:05

Quote:

Originally Posted by kappachild

Hello there Animesuki community! I’m doing a kind of research project on kappa and I was hoping you guys could help me out. Basically, I was wondering if you wouldn’t mind putting your thoughts to a couple of questions:

1) What comes to mind when you think of a kappa? There is no right answer, duh. Any physical or personal qualities that stand out?

2) Where/when did you first hear about/see kappa? Did you see one in an anime, or in manga? If so, which one, if you can recall? What was your first impression?

3) In your experience with kappa (manga, anime or otherwise), would you describe kappa as a positive/moral creature? Or neutral? Or an evil/negative creature?

((although I am presuming that many of you live outside of Japan and don’t have much experience with the image of the kappa, other than through exported media, if you do, that’s alright and please participate!))

1. The physical quality that stands out the most is the head, which looks like something of bald head. Also the turtle like shell on its back.
2. First time I saw kappa in anime was "sanpei the kappa"
3. Seems positive from what I watched, none of the representation I saw seemed evil.

Blank-Mage · 2011-03-11, 01:00

Here's my usual thought process on kappa.

(1.) Nagasarete Airantou's Tohno.
(2.) Nagasarete Airantou's sexy sexy Tohno.
(3.) Oh yeah, that Touhou girl.
(4.) Hey, wasn't there a kappa in Harry Potter?
(5.) I like swords.

Eater of All · 2011-03-12, 19:17

1) The first thought that comes to mind is Mayor from Arakawa. Which leads me to think of yakuza and suits.

2)

Quote:

Originally Posted by SeijiSensei

I can only answer question (2) -- Karasuma's kappa costume in School Rumble. I had no idea what that was about; still don't, really.

3) Pretty neutral; I don't think I've ever seen a kappa being portrayed as a villain.

Tsuyukusa · 2011-03-13, 01:11

1.

2. It was in an anime a number of years ago. I don't remember what series it was though.

3. I've never seen them portrayed as evil creatures. They always seem neutral to me.

psycho bolt · 2011-03-13, 12:20

Quote:

Originally Posted by Tsuyukusa

1.

2. It was in an anime a number of years ago. I don't remember what series it was though.

3. I've never seen them portrayed as evil creatures. They always seem neutral to me.

1. That pic is from natsume

Tsuyukusa · 2011-03-13, 14:34

Quote:

Originally Posted by psycho bolt

1. That pic is from natsume

I know. That wasn't the first Kapa I saw, it's just what comes to mind when I hear someone mention them.

ujiuji · 2011-03-13, 17:45

1. The head with its water reservoir, shell, beak, fondness for cucumbers. I have a chopstick rest in the form of a chubby kappa so I tend to think of that.

2. I was reading an article in an encyclopaedia about Japanese folklore when I first came across them.

3. Potentially dangerous but morally neutral. They might occasionally eat people but can be persuaded not to quite easily.

2011-03-10, 03:15	Link #1
kappachild Junior Member Join Date: Mar 2011	Your thoughts on a kappa!? Hello there Animesuki community! I’m doing a kind of research project on kappa and I was hoping you guys could help me out. Basically, I was wondering if you wouldn’t mind putting your thoughts to a couple of questions: 1) What comes to mind when you think of a kappa? There is no right answer, duh. Any physical or personal qualities that stand out? 2) Where/when did you first hear about/see kappa? Did you see one in an anime, or in manga? If so, which one, if you can recall? What was your first impression? 3) In your experience with kappa (manga, anime or otherwise), would you describe kappa as a positive/moral creature? Or neutral? Or an evil/negative creature? ((although I am presuming that many of you live outside of Japan and don’t have much experience with the image of the kappa, other than through exported media, if you do, that’s alright and please participate!))

2011-03-10, 03:35	Link #2
Vexx Obey the Darkly Cute ... Author Join Date: Dec 2005 Location: On the whole, I'd rather be in Kyoto ... Age: 66	1) Traditionally, the usual images - kind of a quasi-reptillian humanoid with a beak and a "monk's haircut" (water sloshing about on top). This image collides with my other imagery - that of the ravishing kappa-girl of the anime series Petopetosan named Sahara and her "yakuza-style" family operations (webbed fingers/toes and claws as needed). 2) Um, dozens of years ago (really) when studying mythologies in various cultures. Japan has a number of odd monsters but the kappa seem akin to the waterfolk of celt myth. 3) I'd call them neutral -- some of the kappa stories are evil, some good. Basically, you have to treat them with respect and try not to be caught alone by them. Their looks and reputation with the people of Japan has evolved... somewhat like the trolls of Norway have been "cute-ified" by the Norwegians. __________________ "It Really IS Rocket Science", Novel series rough drafts; vol. 1 thru vol. 3 complete Volume 4 in work, Visit the thread for short stories! Last edited by Vexx; 2011-03-10 at 04:34. Reason: blah, meant to thumbnail/resize these but too tired, fix in morning.

2011-03-10, 03:42	Link #3
panzerfan Name means little... Graphic Designer Join Date: Dec 2004	Well, I think my first answer is going to be (snip) I heard of Kappa from mytho, and of course, the fact that it's bold and carries a bit of water atop its head sticks out to me. I don't think that they are amoral, but just that they are beings that can be reasoned and interact with. __________________ It would be enough for the depressing things in life to only exist in reality. It is because that I think the birth of a story... is from people dreaming of a happy ending. ~Misaka Shiori

2011-03-10, 03:45	Link #4
Tempy Σ(。д°(o--(ಠ益ಠ ) Author Join Date: Apr 2008 Location: Hotsprings Resort Age: 37	Kappa? 1) Kappa! 2) GENSOKYO 3) Kappa ;_; --- Okay in all seriousness 1) 2) I first learned of kappa while researching folklore of various cultures, some decade ago. 3) I tend to see kappa be shown in a positive light, though negative portrayals are not uncommon. __________________ Last edited by Tempy; 2011-03-10 at 03:57.

2011-03-10, 07:52	Link #6
SeijiSensei AS Oji-kun Join Date: Nov 2006 Age: 74	I can only answer question (2) -- Karasuma's kappa costume in School Rumble. I had no idea what that was about; still don't, really. __________________ Taking Anime Seriously - Politics by the Numbers - Sports by the Numbers - MAL List - Avatars - Images

2011-03-10, 06:56	Link #5
Ichihara Asako Horoist Join Date: Oct 2007	I think of Sandy from Monkey (on the left); Then Nitori because she's one of the few nonmimis in the Touhou cast I pay any heed to; Quite different takes on them, no? I first saw Sandy (as named in the English dub of Monkey) in the... late 70s? maybe early 80s, too long ago to remember now. Sandy was always pretty whiny and annoying, but was never actually bad, iirc. And Nitori is cute and a tinkerer, which is entertaining. I mostly know her from fanon though, not canon works as I haven't played MoF or later Touhou games.

2011-03-10, 09:53	Link #9
LonelyGirl Observer. Artist Join Date: Feb 2011 Location: My bed. You have no idea...	1.) I think of that character from Animal Crossing. His name I believe was Kapp'n and he was obviously based off a Kappa. The beak and turtle like shell kinda stand out to me. 2.) I first saw a Kappa in Animal Crossing but I didn't know what it was nor did I think about it. I first learned about kappa through the show "Kappa Mikey" there was an episode that explained what kappa were and why he was named "Kappa Mikey" 3.) I wouldn't portray them as bad creature but not really good or neutral creatures either, if anything I would say good but I cannot say that for sure.

2011-03-10, 09:55	Link #10
Gault inc_mplete Join Date: Jul 2007 Location: Sydney Australia / Taiwan Age: 35	1) a clothing brand mostly worn by Middle easterners , Turkish , Greeks and Italians[they could all be labeled as "Wogs" here , no Racist intention] in Australia 2) Fat Pizza comedy show 3) never

2011-03-11, 01:00	Link #12
Blank-Mage Maniacal laughter ensues. Join Date: Apr 2008 Location: My own delusions of grandeur. Age: 35	Here's my usual thought process on kappa. (1.) Nagasarete Airantou's Tohno. (2.) Nagasarete Airantou's sexy sexy Tohno. (3.) Oh yeah, that Touhou girl. (4.) Hey, wasn't there a kappa in Harry Potter? (5.) I like swords. __________________

2011-03-13, 01:11	Link #14
Tsuyukusa King of Carrot Flowers Join Date: Jan 2011 Location: New Jersey Age: 32	1. 2. It was in an anime a number of years ago. I don't remember what series it was though. 3. I've never seen them portrayed as evil creatures. They always seem neutral to me.

2011-03-13, 17:45	Link #17
ujiuji Senior Member Join Date: Dec 2005 Location: Brighton, UK. Age: 61	1. The head with its water reservoir, shell, beak, fondness for cucumbers. I have a chopstick rest in the form of a chubby kappa so I tend to think of that. 2. I was reading an article in an encyclopaedia about Japanese folklore when I first came across them. 3. Potentially dangerous but morally neutral. They might occasionally eat people but can be persuaded not to quite easily.